13 October Numbers 7

My yoke is easy

Numbers 7:84-88 (NIV) “These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver plates, twelve silver sprinkling bowls and twelve gold dishes. Each silver plate weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each sprinkling bowl seventy shekels. Altogether, the silver dishes weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. Altogether, the gold dishes weighed a hundred and twenty shekels. The total number of animals for the burnt offering came to twelve young bulls, twelve rams and twelve male lambs a year old, together with their grain offering. Twelve male goats were used for the sin offering. The total number of animals for the sacrifice of the fellowship offering came to twenty-four oxen, sixty rams, sixty male goats and sixty male lambs a year old. These were the offerings for the dedication of the altar after it was anointed”.

The leaders of the 12 tribes brought six carts with covers and 12 oxen. Two oxen pulled each cart so it would be balanced. The priests dedicated these gifts at the tent of meeting for use by God and the Levites to help them carry the Tabernacle. Numbers 7:3 (NIV)” They brought as their gifts before the Lord six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two. These they presented before the tabernacle”.

When we follow Christ, He reveals that His yoke is easy. Matthew 11:30 (NIV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Switching for reason of pulling together in the yoke: Psalm 133:1 (NIV) “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”.

Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you..." The word "take" comes from a Greek word, airo, which means to lift or take something up deliberately. By using this word, Jesus says we must choose to invite Him to help us. The word "yoke" comes from the Greek word zugos, a wooden piece that connects two animals to work together to pull a heavy load that one animal couldn’t pull alone. This yoke kept them together, making them stronger and the work easier.

Jesus is offering this help to those who are tired and worn out. He promises to come alongside and work with them. But the tired person must accept this offer by coming under Jesus' yoke. They must, by faith, take this partnership with Jesus and allow Him to help with their burdens.

In conclusion, the offering of the Israelites, along with the balanced and shared work of the oxen, symbolises how we are called to unite for God's purposes. Just as the leaders of the 12 tribes brought gifts to serve God's will and support the Levites, we are also invited to carry our burdens to Jesus. He reassures us that His yoke is easy, and when we walk in step with Him, He shares our load, making the work lighter and more manageable. Just as the yoke joins two animals working side by side, Jesus offers to join us in our tasks, providing strength, guidance, and rest. When we accept His help, we are no longer struggling alone, and through His strength, we find peace, unity, and joy in our journey.